### Travis Hunter Declares for 2025 NFL Draft, Aims to Play Both Offense and Defense

Colorado's standout athlete, Travis Hunter, announced during a Thursday Zoom call that he will enter the 2025 NFL Draft after completing his junior season. Hunter, a dual-position star at wide receiver and cornerback for the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes, expressed his unwavering confidence in succeeding at both positions within the professional ranks.

"I'm super confident, and I believe that I can do it at the next level," Hunter asserted. "I'm not gonna let anyone tell me that I can't do something that I've already done. They said I couldn't do it in college, I ended up doing it in college. So a lot of people tell me I can't do it in the NFL, but I'm gonna still do it in the NFL."

Hunter’s decision, while not unexpected, marks the first time he has officially spoken about his future plans. CBS Sports' draft experts unanimously predict him as the No. 1 overall pick in their most recent NFL mock drafts.

Playing both ways has not deterred Hunter from leading Colorado to an 8-2 record and positioning the team firmly within the Big 12 conference standings. As a wide receiver, he has amassed 74 catches for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, tied for the highest in the Big 12. On the defensive side, Hunter has contributed 23 tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups.

Performing over 100 snaps per game sets Hunter apart in an era where two-way players are rare. His versatility harks back to his journey under coach Deion Sanders, beginning in 2022 when Hunter committed to Jacksonville State as the No. 1 overall recruit—a historic move for a five-star prospect to an FCS program. Following Sanders to Colorado, Hunter was honored with the 2023 Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player.

Hunter's performance statistics continue to impress: On offense, he has an 80.4% completion rate when targeted, averaging 9.9 yards per target with nine touchdowns and one interception. On defense, he's holding opponents to a 56.8% completion rate when targeted, allowing 5.5 yards per target with one touchdown and three interceptions.

Reflecting on his dual-threat capabilities, Hunter said, "I don't like to say which one I'm better at because I don't think I'm better at either. I think I'm just equal."

This stellar season has cemented Hunter as the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, aiming to become only the second defensive player ever to win the prestigious award, a feat last achieved by Michigan's Charles Woodson in 1997.